Day 03
We're rolling now!!!

DAILY DOINGS: Boy, what a difference a day makes after a good night's sleep.  I'm sure the cyclists are feeling good after yesterday, but getting in early really let me catch up.  I'd better enjoy these short days, tomorrow's going to be a long one...but that's tomorrow.  What happened today?

Everyone was a little perky as we loaded the luggage at 7:30 this morning after breakfast.  All was going smoothly as I opened the luggage truck for loading.  Steve yelled, "IN COMING" and started throwing bags so fast I had to dig my way out from under the carnage.  The boy's on steroids or something...no A-type personality there.  The plan was for Team Air Force (Steve, Larry, and Scott) to wait and ride with me since I'd be pulling up the rear to make sure everyone got off the bike path.  But it appeared Steve was trying to wear me down before I even got out of the van.  It almost worked, but I was able to recover before we started rolling.  I was helped by the fact that Scott had a motel flat and just after I finished his, Rich had one too.  By the time I got them fixed and on their way, Team Air Force was ready to roll...finally.

Our route today took us out of Sacramento on the American River Bike Way to Folsom Lake where we had our first SAG.  The bike path was a nice respite from the hustle of city traffic...at least it was until a pack of of about 15-20 local cyclists went flying by passing everyone on sharp curves against oncoming cyclists and pedestrians.  It was like, get out of our way, we're coming through.  And we wonder why cyclists have a bad rep...it doesn't take long around here to see cyclists running amok on streets and bike paths disregarding any rules of courtesy or traffic laws.  It almost makes me want to give up the sport just not to be identified with them.  Sorry for the Rant...From Folsom Lake we picked up Folsom-Auburn Road into Auburn, a cute town in the mountains where you can still pan for gold if you are of a mind to.  During the final miles into town we started to see glimpses of the Sierra Mountains...our challenge for tomorrow. 

Most of the morning was uneventful as Team Air Force just cruised along talking about old times.  Larry and I finally figured out that we were stationed together in San Antonio for a year in 1986.  He said he thought I looked familiar, but that was in another life.  The bike path was a bit confusing in a spot or two since lately it has been underwater and a few sections were washed away.  We were detoured to the top of the levy in one stretch and had to make a decision in a spot or two on which way to go.  We finally caught up with Barbara and she pointed out that no one had passed her and she wasn't the last to leave the parking lot...well, we hadn't seen anyone up until then.  So much for being the sweep rider...I've lost my chicks again!  Barb and I stopped for a bit for a rest and to wait and see who might show up when finally Darrel, Herb, Clarence, and Marc came riding up with stories of bonus miles and how many times they had already crossed the river.  Well, at least they were back on track and off we went confident we had everyone.  Well, everyone except Barb and Debbie who had picked up directions to meet everyone at the first SAG where Karen was waiting patiently to ride until they got there.  After several radio calls and assurances they were just around the corner, it finally dawned on them that they were seeing familiar country and the sun was not in their face...oops...Sacramento straight ahead...reverse course and try again.  They finally arrived to relieve Karen after everyone had already left the SAG.  Maybe there's a DUH there somewhere.  Maybe they had their map upside down.

I always tell the riders that after you've ridden across the country, your neighborhood expands.  But when you've been across the country as many times as I have, you see more people you know out here than you see when you are home.  I've already seen about a dozen people since we left the beach that have either ridden with us in the past or someone I know (remember last night?).  Today was no exception.  As we were about to get off the bike path, I looked up and saw a familiar team coming my way...Dave and Sandy Boucher (above right) who have ridden with us on the Mississippi and North rides were just out for their morning spin.  WOW!  Hey guys!!!  It's me!!!  We stopped and spent a few minutes catching up on things before I had to depart.  Pat Gilbert from the fast ride a couple years ago also stopped at the SAG and visited with Karen.  Two people who are signed up for the North Ride this year also stopped by...it was just old home week I guess.

After all the excitement, Karen and I rode in the final miles together and stopped in old downtown for a bite to eat before going to the motel.  We ran into a couple other riders (Rich, Gordon, and Paul) who were sampling the local cuisine (left).  All in all, another successful day.  Everyone in safely, sunny day, nice town, and plans to ride again tomorrow.  What could be better than that? 

Tomorrow we cross Donner's Pass and ride to Truckee.  We'll have our biggest day of climbing on the trip and it's only day 4.  It is a beautiful ride and we'll see you when we get in.  Have a great day.  M

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